SPECIAL COLLABORATION

We’re used to seeing fighters jerking their jaws off before a fight, trying to get inside their opponent’s head, putting on a show. But between Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal, former friends turned enemies, the animosity is very real.

In such a situation, of course, you have to be careful not to let yourself be guided by emotions. There are a lot of emotions between these two former training partners, former friends, former roommates… There is a lot of pride in representing his team. But we’ve heard that Covington has disrespected who he once represented with Masvidal, American Top Team, and those who helped him get to the top. It fueled the conflict.

These are two fighters who don’t have their tongues in their pockets either. They are able to respond tit for tat with their words and not just with their fists. Who will be able to best manage their emotions to come out a winner?

I think they have enough experience to stay focused, but I tend to lean towards whoever has been through the most in their life. A guy like Masvidal has gone through a lot and he’s going to be able to control his emotions better.

Covington is generally better with greater athleticism, but in this kind of “dirty” fight, I feel like I would favor Masvidal. It is certain that if Covington remains focused, that he can work technically on the level of his fight and keep Masvidal on the ground, by taking the upper hand, he risks going for big points. He can probably pick up the win there. But if it’s a blow for blow war, I give the advantage to Masvidal.

Behind on points or with his back to the wall, I also believe that Masvidal is the one who is most able to know how to adapt and adjust to regain control. Covington has excellent physical condition, but as soon as he gets hit hard it affects him more and he can lose his focus. For his part, even if Masvidal takes blows, he still continues to charge forward, he lets himself be less disturbed. I can’t wait to see each other’s faces when they get their first bombshell, see if their body language will change in terms of confidence. And above all, if the other will perceive signs of weakening and take advantage of it if this is the case.

It’s pretty rare that a pay-per-view gala doesn’t end with a championship. In the case of Saturday, even if there is no professional issue, there is a personal issue. Lose or win, neither will have their ranking affected. Neither is going to challenge undisputed champion Kamaru Usman, against whom they both lost twice.

I think their desire not to lose to their nemesis is greater than the desire to win as such.

Basically, what risks tipping the scales is the mental aspect. Who will be able to play in the head of the other, to get him out of his game plan. If Covington is able to stay focused and fight smart, with technique, he can soar with the win. Even if it becomes a war of pride and blows to the face, Masvidal will emerge victorious.

Moicano has nothing to lose unlike dos Anjos

In the semi-final of the gala, the venerable Rafael dos Anjos will face Renato Moicano, a last-minute substitute after Rafael Fiziev tested positive for COVID-19.

I believe Moicano is less dangerous than Fiziev. Moicano is a bit more complete than the latter, but in terms of standing combat they don’t have the same power at all. In terms of size, dos Anjos will be favored. In addition, the fight will be at an intermediate weight of 160 pounds so the weight cut will be less intense for him.

At 37 years old, I think he still has good reserves, but it will be a pivotal fight for him in his career. Since dos Anjos has won only two of his last six fights, if he loses again, it will be a blow. He must not escape it.

In Moicano’s case, he has nothing to lose by showing up on days notice, and everything to gain.

I think Dos Anjos is going to stick with his rival and use his size well, he’s going to try to take him to the ground, pin him there and do some ground and pound. He doesn’t have a bad standing fight, but if he wants to capitalize on each other’s weaknesses, you have to take the fight to the ground, work against the fence, work in the clinch and tries to wear down Moicano, who isn’t 100% ready to fight an opponent like dos Anjos.

* Interview by Audrey Roy